Hello Local Guides 
Today, I’m excited to shine the She Leads spotlight on @Cuicani, a passionate language educator and culture enthusiast from Mexico City, Mexico. Cuicani is a foreign language teacher, mainly teaching English and French to adults, and she speaks her mother tongue plus five more languages, driven by a deep love for linguistics and word etymologies.
Beyond teaching, Cuicani is also a part-time amateur classical choir singer. A soprano, she performs in concerts and sees singing as a constant companion one that brings comfort and joy, especially on difficult days.
She also enjoys writing, traveling, learning about self-improvement, and exploring culture shocks those moments that feel normal in one culture and surprising in another. When travel isn’t possible, reading stories on Connect allows her to experience the world from wherever she is.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
I wrote my very first review in 2023, and it was about a language school I knew and felt deserved to be better known. Soon after, I realized I could also add places to the map, so I added my neighbour’s micro-business. That’s when I received the invitation email from Google.
From that moment on, I decided to review every place and business I visited, using my reviews as a way to say “thank you” to those that provided value to me. Over time, I noticed that certain details like parking, pet-friendly spaces, and practical tips were especially helpful, so I began giving my reviews a simple structure.
I officially joined Connect in 2024.
What would you like to say about your journey on Local Guides Connect ?
I joined Connect in 2024. My main aim in that moment was to know new and different people. Somehow came to me the idea that there could be other people who reviewed places as I did. That’s how I found and joined #LocalGuidesMexico #TeamTacos and it was through them that I knew there was the Connect platform; I became more and more familiar with the kinds of posts and I really enjoyed reading about different places of the world. However, it was until 2025 that I really became active: I’ve attended my first In-Person Meet-Ups and been to some awesome places thanks to them; I’ve replied to posts and initiatives, attended to international virtual Meet-Ups and so on. That’s how my second team, l’Équipe Francophone #LocalGuidesFr , found me and adopted me as well. Thank you to both teams! I love you!
By now I have already posted my first content post and organized my first Meet-Up. I’ve also met super interesting people in and out of the teams. Besides, I also participate in the Star Photo and Star Video Leaderboards and the biggest and most unexpected one: this year I coordinated the participation of both teams during the Community Spotlights. And I have lovely plans for 2026.
So, I can say that my experience in Connect has exceeded my expectations by far! I’m really happy to be here and I hope this journey will continue for quite a long time. #mq1k
What is your favourite type of contribution on maps or/and connect? Why?
I don’t have a “favourite” kind of contribution and any kind of contribution would be fine to me. However, since most of my contributions come from my daily life, I’ve reviewed a lot of restaurants, touristic places I visit on holidays and I’ve added many small and medium-sized businesses in my surroundings (and trust me, they’re quite a lot hehehe my area is full of malls!). In the case of small businesses, I like to imagine that one random day someone who’s looking for a certain merchandise will go to the Maps, search for the keyword and will find that just inaugurated business I added: that would be a win-win for the new costumer and the small business. I’ve also found useful to review parking lots and gather them in a list, because I usually get to places by car, but sometimes there’s no place for parking in the place where I go.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
To me, you can’t be a real leader if you don’t care about your people. Leadership means supporting the group you lead celebrating their achievements, encouraging them to grow, and being present during difficult moments. A good leader also understands that learning goes both ways and is open to different mindsets.
Leadership is about balance: aiming for goals and results while still being human, allowing space for creativity, personality, and even weak moments. When people feel valued, they feel motivated.
As one of my fellow Mexican Local Guides said, “it’s not about giving orders, but making everyone feel valued.” I’d add that leadership is about building a team and encouraging each other to improve every day, one step at a time.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
You can’t be a real leader if you don’t care for your people, team or whatever group you’re leading, because when you care about your people, you celebrate their victories and achieved milestones, you are there to support them as much as they allow you; Besides, leaders should be willing to learn from the people they lead.
Leadership is a balance between aiming for big numbers or deadlines and being human enough to let them have “weak” moments and encourage them and support them to get through those bad moments. But the most important: the leader most have a good sense of order for successfully guiding all of those minds and hearts they are leading.
Quoting one of my fellow Mexican Local Guides: “it’s not about giving orders, but making everyone feel valued.” And I would also add: it’s about making a big team and encouraging each other to improve every day, one step at the time.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
As a foreign language teacher, I try to make my lessons as funny and enjoyable as possible, so students remember them better. Many of the activities I design also have a hidden self-improvement aim for example, keeping a gratitude journal while learning past simple, talking about personal skills when practicing can, or using real job interview questions to learn job vocabulary. Outside the classroom, I’ve learned that kindness itself can have an impact. Simple things like greeting the security guard, giving an unexpected candy to adult students, or asking someone how they’re doing can be surprisingly meaningful. Recently, I also realized that just smiling, being kind, and leading by example can inspire others. Some people have even told me that what I do has encouraged them to start their own groups and projects, and I’m truly grateful for that feedback.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
Well, I don’t really think I’ll be able to change the world; however, I can change SOMEBODY’S world for the better and one step at a time. If I can give somebody the right word of advice in the right moment, their vision will get wide enough to make better decisions. And that same happens when I create a review: a lot of users ask internet for advice, for the way to get to a specific place and for details that might make one more convenient than the other, according to what the user needs. Then, among the reviews they’ll get yours with the right info in the right time; so you’re helping them decide. It’s heartwarming to me that the things I know, no matter how simple they are, in the Maps and in Connect can actually make a difference to someone or just be informative and interesting to someone else.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
I’m deeply inspired by people who have a strong sense of purpose, who stay committed no matter the cost, and who believe they can change the world because that’s how big changes begin. I’m also inspired by my favourite fictional character, Queen Elsa from Frozen 1 & 2. She started as a cheerful child, but her gifts were misunderstood, and she was discouraged from using them. She even came to see her powers as a curse. Many of us can relate to being told that our talents or differences aren’t good enough. Over time, Elsa learns to love herself, trust her abilities, and use her powers for good. By the end of the movies, she has faced huge challenges, grown in confidence, and unlocked her true potential. I hope to one day feel as powerful, confident, and free as she does and to truly let it go.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
Just like in Elsa’s story, women and everyone need to discover that their talents are valuable and can have a bigger impact than they realize. We can inspire them by showing that every piece of knowledge, no matter how simple or local, can be useful. Helping people see how their skills and gifts can benefit themselves and the community will make them feel confident and excited to join.
What barriers do you face to contribute in community as a woman and how do you overcome them?
The biggest barrier I face as a woman is limiting beliefs those unconscious thoughts that can stop us from trying new things or even make us sabotage our own projects. Beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “Everything must be perfect” can hold us back.
To overcome them, I use positive self-talk, a gratitude journal, and reflection. When I notice repeated negative patterns, I pause, identify the belief behind them, and decide to react differently next time. The key is to start and be kind to yourself there’s always a next time.
What message would you like to share with woman around the world?
Women and people out there!!! Goals and numbers are useful, but losing yourself in the way is not worth it. Aim for self-knowledge, for mind peace and for balance among ALL of the aspects of your life. Make space for YOUR personal fulfillment, it will make your soul happy. Be wise enough to point out what you need to change and brave enough to change it. Be grateful, love people and love yourself. Then the goals will come. #mq1k
Despite any obstacles, Cuicani stays committed to teaching, sharing her passions, and making a difference in her community. Her dedication and warmth show that curiosity and empathy can inspire real change. She uplifts others by encouraging growth, celebrating individuality, and connecting people. I’m proud she’s part of our community and can’t wait to see the amazing things she will continue to accomplish.
Discover more empowering journeys from women around the world in the She Leads series 
Introducing She Leads: Celebrating the Remarkable Women Who Enrich Our Community
There is no doubt of the huge impact she had and will continue having in both our Spanish and French speaker communities. I had the privilege of sharing some time with her this past 2025 when visiting beautiful Mexico City and I can confirm that all that candor, humanity and kindness that transpire this post is real. Felicitaciones querida 
…the opportunity to get such a leader and a teacher at the same time.. I won’t miss this one …after class just set and enjoy an classic singing from mentor before get back what a blessing! 
. 
(read with voice of Spongebob)
